Rick Perry, Energy Nominee, Says He No Longer Wants To Dissolve AgencyThe former Texas governor once said he would abolish the Department of Energy. Now, as Trump's pick for the agency head, he said said his view on that — and global warming — have changed.

Former Texas governor Rick Perry had his confirmation hearing Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of energy. He said he no longer wants to get rid of the agency.
Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images
hide caption

toggle caption

Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

Former Texas governor Rick Perry had his confirmation hearing Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of energy. He said he no longer wants to get rid of the agency.

Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

Even Rick Perry changes his mind.

At his confirmation hearing as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Energy, the former Texas governor said he no longer wants to do away with the department he once said should be eliminated.

Or, at least, that was something he tried to say.

In 2011, during one of his presidential campaign debates, Perry could only remember the names of two of the three agencies he wanted get rid of. The third agency is the very one he was chosen by Trump to head.

Perry said at the hearing that he regrets ever suggesting that idea.

"My past statements made over five years ago about abolishing the Department of Energy do not reflect my current thinking," Perry said.